I never tire of this view. It means I'm going somewhere. I'm waiting patiently for the plane to depart SFO.
Economy Plus makes a 5+ hour flight just a little bit more bearable.
A view from up high. You can see Haleakala quite prominently, and both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa off in the distance. Almost home...
I don't recall ever seeing this sculpture at HNL before so I decided to take a pic. Each island has its own pillar engraved with each island's individual flower.
First meal back at Jack's in Aina Haina. Homemade corned beef hash, fried rice and scrambled egg. Yummy!
Plumeria from around the garden at home. So pretty and fragrant.
Tackled a "Trivia Night" with the Julie, Richard and Kim. Team "Oho" placed 3rd and we won this Instant Ramen bowl and fancy chopstick set. We finished only two points behind 1st place!
Congrats to Adrian K, who graduated from Temple and held a "satellite" commencement with family & friends at Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School. The most I've ever laughed and genuinely enjoyed a graduation ceremony (from a spectator's perspective).
Afterwards, I made my way over to Pagoda for a birthday lunch for Daniel's grandma. Round one of the buffet.
Daniel, Me & Clifton after lunch at Pagoda. Good times.
As has been a recent tradition of mine (and in the interest of physical fitness), I hiked up Koko Head with Darren & Kevin. Beautiful view; long way down.
Since I can't seem to find this on the Mainland, I have to get my Meat Jun fix while I'm home. Picked up this mini plate on the way out to Makapu'u to hang out at the beach with Daniel & Clifton after the Koko Head hike.
Dinner with Darren & Priscilla at Tonkatsu Ginza in Waikiki. The recommendation came from a co-worker (thanks Nicolette) and it did not disappoint. I didn't know tonkatsu could be that excellent!
Lunch on my last full day from Shirokiya's new and improved food court (well, new to me). A yummy tonkotsu ramen and mochiko chicken musubi.
Back on a plane after an awesome trip home. Just a short detour on the way back to Cali...
A brief layover in Kahului, Maui due to the ticket that I purchased. I haven't been to Maui in ages. I won't really count this stopover since I stayed in the Terminal, but at least I got this beautiful view of Haleakala at sunset.
They also had a small exhibit on the way to the food court (which had a Pinkberry no less!) featuring some neat artifacts from Aotearoa!
Two weeks later, I found myself on a plane once again. This time, rather than a full fare ticket, I had to settle for a standby ticket. I had nearly forgotten how anxious it can be but luckily I got on board. You never feel completely at ease until you feel the plane push back...
I also had the rare privilege of flying on a flight that Mum worked. After the main meal service, we talked story for a while before all the friends/co-workers gathered together for this pic in the rear galley.
I went home for my 10 year High School reunion. Has it really been that long?
It sure has. We all got together to take this "official" Class photo. Yes, I'm up there in the last row (towards the left).
Our dinner: POG (passion orange guava juice), poi, lomi lomi salmon, ahi poke, chicken long rice, kalua pig and squid luau. Nothing quite like local food and catching up with old classmates.
The old pool in the twilight. Some things haven't really changed too much.
An awesome lunch from Fukuya Deli with Darren and Priscilla. You can see I've got furikake chicken, a vegetable croquette, mini inari, mochiko chicken, nishime and spicy green beans with chicken on my plate. We took the food to Waialae Beach Park and ate at the picnic tables there. Kevin joined us for a bit of football throwing and I must say, what a great way to spend an afternoon.
Capped off with a classic malasada from Leonard's for dessert.
Clear skies, ocean, beautiful view. It doesn't get much better.
And finally, dinner at Tenkaippin with Darren, Priscilla and Dad. They have this Kotteri ramen with a thick, almost gravy-like broth. Delicious, but different than most ramen that you'll see around.
Nothing beats a trip home and I'm glad I got to spend quality time, across two separate trips, with family and friends. I hope it won't be so long till I return and get to eat more good food, enjoy more time outdoors and see everyone once again. Until next time...
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